I am currently experiencing a lot of play in my steering wheel on my 420... I have seen a lot of questions regarding this item, however, what is the experience of those owners who have actually had it fixed, repaired?? Is it a steering box, ball joints, tie rod ends, control arms...? Or a combination? I have 163K on this car, it runs great and I intend to drive it for quite a while yet, so what should I have done at this point to the front end? Keep in mind since I have owned it I have done nothing so far. Thanks for the help..

Play in the steering wheel is usually the gear box. It also could be in the steering linkage: tierods, center link or idler arm bushings.

While causing drivability problems suspension play; ball joints, control arm bushings, etc. does not usually cause steering wheel play.

Steering gearboxes are supposed to be adjusted off the car. Many experienced techs can do a decent job on the car but its not easy on the 420s as the exhaust is right over the adjustment.

If you haven't already, you should find yourself a good technician to evaluate this and future situations. I wouldn't recommend a tire store for this. My personal recommendation is an independent specializing in MB that does their own alignment.

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Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician